HybridCars.com » plug in americahttp://www.hybridcars.com
Auto alternatives for the 21st centuryFri, 31 Jul 2015 13:14:21 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.2507-EV Parade Sets New World Recordhttp://www.hybridcars.com/507-ev-parade-sets-new-guinness-world-record/
http://www.hybridcars.com/507-ev-parade-sets-new-guinness-world-record/#commentsMon, 22 Sep 2014 19:52:11 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=195610The record for the world’s largest parade of electric vehicles was taken back by the U.S. Saturday Sept. 20 at the National Drive Electric Week event in Cupertino, California. A Guiness World Record official was on hand to declare 507 EVs did indeed supercede a record 481-EV parade in Sutttgart Germany May 2014. “No hybrids […]

]]>The record for the world’s largest parade of electric vehicles was taken back by the U.S. Saturday Sept. 20 at the National Drive Electric Week event in Cupertino, California.

A Guiness World Record official was on hand to declare 507 EVs did indeed supercede a record 481-EV parade in Sutttgart Germany May 2014.

“No hybrids were allowed” said Plug In America, one of several sponsors for the event organized by San Francisco BayLEAFs and the Silicon Valley chapter of the Electric Auto Association.

To put a finer point on it, no plug-in hybrids were counted at De Anza College where Guiness judge Philip Robertson handed over a Guinness certificate before crowd numbered in the thousands, including local supporters.

“Congratulations on helping to drive the future of automotive technology,” Robertson said. “This is a change moment.”

Plug In America also noted this even in Cupertino event was one of 152 taking place in 5 countries, 39 U.S. states, six Canadian Provinces and 150 cities in which owners of over 3,000 plug-in electric vehicles registered to share their electric driving experience with the public.

“Each event is led by local plug-in drivers and advocates and typically includes some combination of EV parades, ride-and-drives, electric tailgate parties, press conferences, award ceremonies, informational booths, and more,” said the advocacy organization.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/507-ev-parade-sets-new-guinness-world-record/feed/0Nissan Sponsoring National Drive Electric Weekhttp://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-sponsoring-national-drive-electric-week/
http://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-sponsoring-national-drive-electric-week/#commentsTue, 16 Sep 2014 04:19:00 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=192834To celebrate National Drive Electric Week, held September 15 to 21, Nissan is sponsoring more than 130 grassroots events across the U.S. and abroad. National Drive Electric Week, formerly National Plug In Day, started in 2011 as a series of local events aimed at spreading the word about plug-in vehicles. The annual event, which is […]

]]>To celebrate National Drive Electric Week, held September 15 to 21, Nissan is sponsoring more than 130 grassroots events across the U.S. and abroad.

National Drive Electric Week, formerly National Plug In Day, started in 2011 as a series of local events aimed at spreading the word about plug-in vehicles. The annual event, which is organized by Plug In America, Sierra Club and the Electric Auto Association, attracted more than 35,000 participants at nearly 100 local gatherings in 2013.

“With more than 60,000 U.S. sales and 50 percent market share among pure EVs this year, Nissan is the natural sponsor of National Drive Electric Week,” said Toby Perry, Nissan’s director of Electric Vehicle Marketing. “At events across the country, drivers of Nissan LEAF and other electric cars will get together to spread the word about the benefits of driving electric – lower operating costs, zero tailpipe emissions and they are just fun to drive.”

Among the local events is Huntington Beach, California, where Nissan said it will showcase the BladeGlider sports concept that features a radical front narrow track layout, where the front is significantly narrower than the rear, creating a swept-wing profile when seen from directly above the vehicle.

In Cupertino, California, Nissan explained it will display the all-electric e-NV200 compact cargo vehicle, which is currently part of a one-year trial program in various cities across the U.S.

The e-NV200 is already on sale in various European markets.

Nissan said Leaf sales are up 34 percent in 2014, and August was the best month on record with 3,186 vehicles sold. Nissan added it is finding more buyers in markets across the U.S. such as Washington, D.C., Boston, Salt Lake City and others due in large part to owner advocacy.

“Leaf owners have become our most effective marketers. Their enthusiasm for their Leaf and its benefits drives family, friends and co-workers to consider and purchase one for themselves,” said Perry. “This has a viral effect, where one Leaf sale in a neighborhood or office often triggers several additional sales.”

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-sponsoring-national-drive-electric-week/feed/0Experience An EV In Berkeley This Weekendhttp://www.hybridcars.com/experience-an-ev-in-berkeley-this-weekend/
http://www.hybridcars.com/experience-an-ev-in-berkeley-this-weekend/#commentsTue, 24 Jun 2014 04:05:26 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=161290One great way to experience an EV is to show up at one of various test drive events held across the country. One such event will be held this coming weekend in Berkeley, California. The “Experience Electric – The Better Ride” campaign will offer free test drives of the latest electric cars on Saturday, June […]

]]>One great way to experience an EV is to show up at one of various test drive events held across the country. One such event will be held this coming weekend in Berkeley, California.

The “Experience Electric – The Better Ride” campaign will offer free test drives of the latest electric cars on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be held at the downtown Berkeley Farmers’ Market in Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center Park on Center Street between Milvia Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way.

Organizers of the electric vehicle (EV) ride-and-drive said the event will feature the latest models from Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Nissan, smart and others.

Licensed drivers can try out EVs and feel the differences between driving with electricity and gas-powered cars on a first-come, first-served basis. Drivers taking test drives will receive a $5 token for prepared food, produce or other items at the Farmers’ Market.

“Test-driving at a dealer’s showroom can be a bit intimidating, but there’s no pressure or sales hype at our events,” said Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates, who also serves as a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Board of Directors, and co-chairs the Bay Area’s EV Strategic Council. “Most everyone has seen an EV on the road or in ads, and this is a chance to try one out, have some fun and feel the electric experience.”

The Experience Electric campaign is a joint initiative of MTC, the Air District and a consortium of EV organizations including the California Center for Sustainable Energy, Plug In America and Charge Across Town.

The consortium said the campaign’s goal is to increase EV adoption in the Bay Area’s nine counties. Accelerating EV use is a key strategy for state and local governments to reduce emissions from gas-powered vehicles, improve air quality and achieve overall goals for curbing greenhouse emissions.

MTC is the transportation planning, coordinating and financing agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area in California. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District is the agency chartered with protecting air quality in the Bay Area.

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/experience-an-ev-in-berkeley-this-weekend/feed/0Nissan Sells Its 35,000th US Leaf In Time For National Plug In Dayhttp://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-sells-its-35000th-us-leaf-in-time-for-national-plug-in-day/
http://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-sells-its-35000th-us-leaf-in-time-for-national-plug-in-day/#commentsFri, 27 Sep 2013 16:01:07 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=75465Since its December 2010 launch, and just in time for “National Plug In Day” Sept. 28 and 29, the Nissan Leaf has now sold 35,000 units in the U.S. Nissan will celebrate the milestone in Nashville, Tenn. with well-wishers and drivers of the all-electric car, and notes it is the first automaker to serve as […]

]]>Since its December 2010 launch, and just in time for “National Plug In Day” Sept. 28 and 29, the Nissan Leaf has now sold 35,000 units in the U.S.

Nissan will celebrate the milestone in Nashville, Tenn. with well-wishers and drivers of the all-electric car, and notes it is the first automaker to serve as a presenting sponsor of the event.

Actually, among mainstream-priced electric cars, Nissan stands heads above all other manufacturers in its financial commitment to proliferating electric cars.

Last year sales lagged, but Nissan began U.S. production in Smyrna, Tenn. this year and dropped prices on a mid-seasonally refreshed car while offering a base S Trim level for $6,000 less than the previous lowest price Leaf from 2012.

The company reports sales are up 317 percent year over year since the launch of the 2013 model range and beyond traditional bastions of EVs such as San Francisco and elsewhere in the west, Nissan reports new markets growing rapidly including Atlanta, St. Louis and Denver.

“From the early adopters to the most recent buyers, our owners consistently tell us that Nissan Leaf quickly becomes the car of choice in their household, and they spread the word about Leaf to their family and friends,” said Erik Gottfried, Nissan’s director of EV Marketing and Sales Strategy. “Nissan is sponsoring National Plug In Day to celebrate the growing presence of electric cars like Nissan Leaf and the role that our owners are playing in spurring the next round of EV buyers.”

Beyond Nissan’s celebration in its home state, National Plug In Day has expanded to more than 80 events in various U.S. cities

EV advocates are expected to show their support with EV parades, tailgates, ride-and-drives, live music and games according to Plug In America spokesperson Zan Dubin Scott, who launched National Plug In Day.

“Plug-in car buyers are not just motivated by environmental concerns “We buy plug-ins because they cost much less to drive, and they are just better, quicker, more fun cars to drive,” said Dubin Scott. “National Plug In Day brings together thousands of people across the country who already see these benefits and want to share the word with others.”

]]>http://www.hybridcars.com/nissan-sells-its-35000th-us-leaf-in-time-for-national-plug-in-day/feed/0100,000 Plug-In Vehicles Sold In Americahttp://www.hybridcars.com/100000-plug-in-vehicles-sold-in-america/
http://www.hybridcars.com/100000-plug-in-vehicles-sold-in-america/#commentsMon, 20 May 2013 14:17:18 +0000http://www.hybridcars.com/?p=58898As of today, Plug in America says there have been 100,000 of the new generation of “plug-in” electrified vehicles (PEVs) sold in the U.S. Since the launch of highway legal cars such as Chevrolet’s Volt and Nissan’s Leaf in December 2010, plus a modest beginning for Tesla’s Roadster before that, and others following, the 100,000 […]

]]>As of today, Plug in America says there have been 100,000 of the new generation of “plug-in” electrified vehicles (PEVs) sold in the U.S.

Since the launch of highway legal cars such as Chevrolet’s Volt and Nissan’s Leaf in December 2010, plus a modest beginning for Tesla’s Roadster before that, and others following, the 100,000 number is being seen as a significant if not yet paradigm-changing milestone.

“Our current estimate, based on monthly sales figures from automakers, is that the 100,000th highway-capable plug-in vehicle will be sold on May 20,” said Tom Saxton, Plug In America’s chief science officer. “We are calling this the #PIA100K mark, and we are excited to see the continued growth of the market.”

Plug in America now has a PEV unit-sold-in-America counter posted on its Web site, and announced a drawing which consumers can enter online for a free vehicle charger to those who purchase a plug-in vehicle between May 15 and Jun 15.

In overview, electrified vehicle proponents see today’s boundary crossing as a sign of progress while acknowledging resistance, fundamental lack of awareness and accurate understanding, and politicized push back as well.

Plug in America board member Barry Woods blogged in anticipation of the 100,000 unit milestone that he has observed a slow changing of the tide in the face of staunch obstacles plug-in vehicles must yet overcome.

“Misinformation abounds – about the costs, range, battery resiliency, EV carbon emissions, the superiority of other alternative fuels, a “green” political pre-disposition,” wrote Woods of various sources of resistance on May 9. “Unfortunately, too often those with the biggest bullhorn shape the ‘facts.’”

Model S has been named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, Automobile magazine’s Automobile of the Year, and has garnered a number of top honors besides.

But progress is happening in spite of all this.

Based on the current average household size, Plug in America estimates a quarter million people have been exposed to the viability of daily life with all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric cars. He noted that in March in the Portland metro area, Nissan dealers collectively sold more Leafs than any other model, even more than the best-selling Altima.

Woods is directly involved in selling chargers, and he has noticed a shift in attitudes at dealers he visits.

“Where are we today? We have Nissan, Tesla, Chevy, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, FIAT, manufacturing PEV models with their own branding,” said Woods. “Now when I go into auto dealers, they invite me back to speak to their sales staff and discuss charging as an issue and what their customers will need to make better use of the car’s range capabilities.”

Other highlights include:

• Tesla’s Model S is outselling the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the BMW 7 series and the Audi A8
• Chevy Volt drivers alone have logged over 187-million electric miles
• The plug-in vehicle market is approaching 48 percent annual growth with both Battery Electric (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicles finding growing interest
• Plug-in vehicle adoption exceeds the adoption of hybrid vehicles over the same timeframe in their market developments
• The domestic EV fleet now offers over 2,000 megawatts of battery storage, which may offer significant opportunities for the future management of our electrical grid and the increasing role of intermittent renewable energy sources
• Manufacturers making EVs now include Nissan, Tesla, GM, Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, and Fiat. These plug-in cars have received a wealth of consumer and industry awards

Is It Enough?

The above question is not ours, but was first posed by USA Today noting 100,000 units “is just slightly less than the sales of a single conventional model, the Ford Fusion, over the first four months of the year. And the Fusion was only the sixth most popular model in the U.S.”

Objections persist over range, charging time and costs, writes USA Today – not to mention several other objections noted by Woods above.

A More Bullish Perspective

With seemingly eyes wide open, Woods noted EV proponents were nonetheless correct about the prospects for plug-in technology and the growth on a percentage basis has been markedly more significant than hybrid market growth.

That is true, but when one starts from a base of zero units, and grows to higher levels, percentage points can appear impressive if viewed without context.

Beyond this, Woods said advocates were also correct that American car shoppers would accept choices other than gasoline if given a long haul value.

Nissan’s 2013 Leaf had its best sales month in March, and second-best in April this year. It’s now built in Tennessee and Nissan is investing billions in PEVs.

“A virtuous market – and policy-based cycle has developed to bring down prices and spur R & D,” said Wood. “We appreciate that these vehicles are not just ‘green,’ they are advanced vehicle technology creating better transportation choices and superior driving experiences. They can become the Car of the Year.”

To be sure, the 100,000 milestone is well short of being on track to hit an early goal set by President Obama for 1 million EVs and PHEVs sold in the U.S. by 2015.

At the same time, things are accelerating, and even if the goal is not hit on time, there is a sizable and growing number of PEVs on American roads leading toward a “tipping point” as Plug in America describes it, in favor of larger scale adoption.